Odisha: Former India Hockey team captain Prabodh Tirkey to join Cong

Bhubaneswar: Former Indian Hockey team captain Prabodh Tirkey will join the Congress party in Odisha.

The former hockey player is interested to contest the 2024 Assembly polls in Odisha from Talsara constituency in Sundargarh.

“I have planned to join Congress party. The people in my area are neglected. The tribals are not getting any benefit from government schemes. I am interested in contesting from Talsara Assembly segment so that I can serve the people,” said Tirkey.

The former Indian Hockey team skipper has also revealed his family’s long association with the Congress party. “A few of my family members were associated with Congress party in the past. That is why I have decided to join in the grand old party,” Tirkey added.

Tirkey, a native of Sundargarh district, was the member of the Indian Hockey team which won 2007 Asia Cup in Chennai. Tirkey’s elder brother Ignace Tirkey had also played for Indian Hockey team.

Tirkey was felicitated with the Ekalavya Puraskar in 2001 and Biju Patnaik State Sports Award in 2009.